Flashlight attachment for small arms



SR, uccliUH mom H. DODGE 2,450,584

FLASHLIGHT ATTACHMENT FOR SMALL A RMS Oct. 5, 1948.

Filed April 16, 1947 invention as claimed.

Patented Oct. 5, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FLASHLIGHT ATTACHMENT FOR SMALL ARMS Lysander H. Dodge, Huntington Beach, Calif.

Application April 16, 1947, Serial No. 741,764

1 Claim.

This invention relates to a flashlight attachment for small arms, and more particularly to a device whereby a flashlight may be readily attached to hand guns, shoulder weapons and other guns, to the end that the light from the flashlight is so synchronized with respect to the barrel of the gun that if you direct the central strong beams of light rays from the flashlight upon an object, it is unnecessary to aim the guns, using the usual gun sights.

A primary object of this invention is the provision of an improved framework adapted for the ready attachment to a revolver or the like for the supporting of a flashlight in related assembly therewith.

An additional object is the provision of switch mechanismin association with such a device whereby the flashlight may be readily and expeditiously switched on or off by the same hand that holds the gun, or the switch may be located at any desirable place on the particular type of gun with which it is used, for convenience in operation.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of such a device having means whereby the relative relation of the flashlight to the gun barrel may be varied to suit the individual operator, the beam of the light being either directly parallel to the gun barrel or at an angle toward or away therefrom.

Still other objects reside in the provision of such a device which is sturdy and durable in construction, reliable and efficient in operation, and relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, assemble and utilize.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel details of construction and combinations of parts, hereinafter more fully described and pointed out in the claim, it being understood that changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the Referring to the drawing:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of one form of device embodying features of the instant invention shown as attached to a pistol, and having a flashlight associated therewith.

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the device shown in Figure 1, the flashlight being removed, and certain concealed parts of the apparatus being indicated in dotted lines.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary rear elevational view 2 of the construction shown in Figure 1, the flashlight being removed.

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 2 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawing.

Having reference now to the drawing, the device of the instant invention is comprised of an L-shaped member including a horizontal leg I0 and a vertical leg II, the dimensions of the member being suitably proportioned to accommodate any desired type of small arm.

The horizontal leg I0 carries adjacent its rear extremity a supporting member I2, including an arcuate lower face I3 adapted to rest on the top of a flashlight I 4 when the device is in related assembly, and further carries a locking band I5, including a pair of separable spaced lugs I6, having threaded apertures therein adapted to be secured in related assembly as by a bolt and nut I1.

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention herein shown, the device is shown associated with a revolver I8, and the clamping band I5 is adapted to be passed through suitable apertures in the base of the stock I9 of the revolver and passed over the base of frame member 20 securely locking the horizontal leg II! to the base of the stock I9.

Having reference now to the vertical leg II, it w ll be seen that the latter carries a clamping band 2|, similar to the clamping band I5 previously described, having a pair of spaced lugs 22 extending therefrom, the lugs being held in related assembly, by means of a bolt 23 and nut 24, the bolt passing through suitable apertures in the lugs. The arrangement is such that the band is adapted to engage a forward portion of the trigger guard 25 of the revolver, thus securely locking the L-shaped member to the revolver in aligned relation therewith.

As best shown in Figure 2, the vertical leg II has an aperture therethrough, through which passes a bolt 26, provided with a nut 21, the bolt being passed through a vertical slot 28 in a forward supporting member 29, provided at its lower portion with an arcuate flashlight engaging surface 30 corresponding in configuration with the previously described surface I3.

A third clamping band 3| is also provided, and adapted to pass about the horizontal leg Ill and thence about the flashlight I4 holding the same securely in related assembly with the surfaces I3 3 and 30 previously described. The band 3| is provided, as in the case of the previously described bands, with a pair of outwardly turned lugs 32 or extremities, apertured to receive a bolt 33 and secured in position by means of a nut 34.

Means are provided for turning on the flashlight ll, from a position adjacent the trigger of the gun, in such manner that the entire operation may be conducted with one hand, without the necessity of removing the finger from the trigger; such means take the form of an electric circuit including wires 35, connected to the conventional flashlight, and running to the switch mechanism 31 including a button 38, secured to the gun in any desired manner, as by screws 39. While I have shown the switch 31 as positioned adjacent to the trigger of the hand gun, the switch may be located at any desired place on the gun, for convenience in operation.

, From the foregoing, the operation of the device can now be readily understandable. It will be seen that the flashlight is attached to the gun with which it is used, in the manner previously described, and the beam adjusted, either parallel to the barrel or at an angle as previously mentioned and that in the use of the gun, it is only necessary to actuate the button or switch 38 in such a manner as to energize the light.

It is therefore obvious that, since the light is so synchronized with the barrel of the gun, that with the light rays directed toward an object, the gun will be automatically aimed at the target.

From the foregoing, it will now be seen that there is herein provided a device which accomplishes all the objects of this invention, and others, including many advantages of great practical utility in commercial importance.

As various embodiments may be of this inventive concept, and as various modifications may be 4 made in the embodiment hereinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.-

What is claimed is:

In an attachment for securing a flashlight to a gun, an L-shaped frame having an upwardly extended forward end, a clamp for securing the upwardly extended forward end to the trigger guard of the gun and the other end of the frame being secured to the stock of the gun, a separable band secured to the L-shaped frame intermediate the ends of the frame, said band being secured to the flashlight, a forward supporting member adjustably mounted on said upwardly extended end of the frame, said forward member having an arcuate shaped edge engaging the curved edge of the flashlight, a supporting member at the rear end of the frame engaging the flashlight, said supporting members holding the flashlight against lateral movement when the gun is aimed, a switch on said gun, and electrical connections between said switch and the flashlight whereby the flashlight may be operated illuminating the target at which the gun is pointed.

LYSANDER H. DODGE.

REFERENCES CITED- The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,201,052 Jakubyansky Oct. 10, 1916 2,017,585 Casey Oct. 15, 1935 2,132,063 Whaley Oct. 4, 1938 2,140,880 Osborn Dec. 20, 1938 2,314,061 Whaley Mar. 16, 1943 tar 

